In a move that emphasises the growing international significance of quantum research, a high-level delegation from the Indian state of Karnataka, led by Minister for Minor Irrigation, Science and Technology N.S. Boseraju, recently visited ETH Zurich to explore new opportunities for collaboration in quantum technologies.

During their visit to the ETH Quantum Center, Minister Boseraju met with Professor Andreas Wallraff, Professor Jonathan Home, and Professor Klaus Ensslin, whose pioneering work in superconducting qubits and trapped ion systems places ETH Zurich among the global leaders driving the next generation of quantum computing.

“ETH Zurich represents the birthplace of modern quantum computing, where fundamental science has been transformed into working technology,” said Minister Boseraju. “Connecting Karnataka’s emerging quantum ecosystem with such world-class expertise is a privilege and an opportunity for transformative collaboration.”

The visit comes as Karnataka, home to India’s technology capital, Bengaluru, advances its vision to establish Quantum City (Q-City), a new multidisciplinary research and innovation hub for quantum technologies. The state aims to emulate ETH Zurich’s collaborative model, which connects academia, startups, and industry across Switzerland through shared research infrastructure and interdisciplinary exchange.

A Glimpse Into ETH’s Quantum Ecosystem

At ETH Zurich, the delegation explored state-of-the-art Superconducting Qubit and Trapped Ion laboratories, witnessing firsthand how ETH’s coordinated approach has enabled groundbreaking progress in quantum science and technology. These efforts are spearheaded by the ETH Quantum Center, founded in 2020 under the ETH+ Initiative on Quantum Science and Technology. The center serves as a collaborative platform uniting more than 30 research groups across disciplines, from physics and engineering to computer science and materials research.

Professor Andreas Wallraff, founding director of the Quantum Center and a world-renowned expert in superconducting quantum circuits, shared insights into ETH’s strategy for fostering innovation through both academic excellence and entrepreneurial spin-offs. One such success story is Zurich Instruments, an ETH spin-off that develops precision measurement systems used in quantum laboratories worldwide, including in India.

Inspiring Global Collaboration

Minister Boseraju’s discussions with ETH researchers focused on how Karnataka can adapt and localize ETH Zurich’s model of coordinated quantum research under the Q-City Bengaluru initiative. The envisioned hub will combine academic excellence, industrial innovation, and startup entrepreneurship to advance quantum hardware development and strengthen India’s position in the global quantum landscape.

“The collaboration between ETH Zurich and Karnataka reflects a shared vision,” said Andreas Wallraff. “Quantum technology has immense potential to shape the future of computing, communication, and sensing. By connecting leading research ecosystems, we accelerate both scientific discovery and real-world impact.”

ETH Zurich at the Forefront of Quantum Innovation

For decades, ETH Zurich has played a central role in shaping the field of quantum science, from foundational physics to real-world applications. As the home of the Quantum Engineering Master’s Programme, the ETH+ Quantum Initiative, and several leading research laboratories, ETH continues to act as a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration and talent development.

Professor Wallraff’s own journey exemplifies ETH’s pioneering spirit. His research has advanced our understanding of quantum electrodynamics in superconducting circuits, laying the groundwork for scalable quantum processors. Under his leadership, ETH has established one of the world’s leading infrastructures for quantum experimentation and training, enabling students, researchers, and partners to collaborate at the highest scientific level.

Towards a Shared Quantum Future

The Karnataka delegation’s visit marks a milestone in strengthening academic and innovation ties between India and Switzerland. As both regions invest in the future of quantum technology, ETH Zurich remains committed to fostering open collaboration, sharing expertise, and nurturing the next generation of quantum scientists and engineers. With initiatives like Q-City in Bengaluru and the ETH Quantum Center in Zurich, a global network of quantum innovation is taking shape, one that connects continents, accelerates knowledge exchange, and drives technological transformation for a sustainable future.